Doña Marilyn (Wreck) - Malapascua

The Doña Marilyn wreck is an absolute classic Malapascua dive, and honestly, we think it’s underrated. Dropping down to 30 metres, you hit the bow first, often with visibility that’s just good enough to make the whole ship appear out of the blue, a really dramatic moment. What we love about this site isn't just the history – a ferry that sank in a typhoon – it’s how nature has completely reclaimed it. You can swim through the cargo hold, which is now home to schools of batfish so thick you feel them brush past you. Look for the resident white-tip reef sharks often found resting in the deeper sections, and if you’ve got a good guide, they’ll point out scorpionfish camouflaged on the rusted decks. Our favourite part has to be the stern, where the prop is still visible, encrusted with corals, and always surrounded by glassfish. It’s an intermediate dive because of the depth and occasional current, but if you’re comfortable at 30 metres, you'll find a really atmospheric wreck dive here. Come in the morning for the best chance of decent light penetration.

Location
Malapascua, Philippines, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
11.622600, 123.926800
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
30m
Difficulty
Intermediate

Marine Protected Area: Islands of Guinauyan, Naro, Chico, and Pobre Wilderness Area

Best Time to Dive in Malapascua

The warmest water temperatures in Malapascua occur in June, averaging 29.9°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.6°C
  • April: 28.3°C
  • May: 29.6°C
  • June: 29.9°C
  • July: 29.6°C
  • August: 29.6°C
  • September: 29.8°C
  • October: 29.6°C
  • November: 29.2°C
  • December: 28.6°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Malapascua

Nearest Dive Centres to Doña Marilyn (Wreck)

Marine Life in Malapascua

Home to 88 recorded species including 72 reef fish, 5 crabs & lobsters, 5 sharks & rays, 2 other, 2 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Doña Marilyn (Wreck)

Based on average water temperature of 28.9°C, currents 15 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum depth of the Doña Marilyn Wreck dive site?
The Doña Marilyn Wreck dive site has a maximum depth of 30 meters. This makes it an exciting dive for those with appropriate deep diving experience and training.
What kind of marine life and features can divers expect to see at the Doña Marilyn Wreck?
The Doña Marilyn Wreck itself is the primary feature divers can expect to see. It is the remains of a Philippine inter-island ferry, originally built in Japan in 1966 and later refitted. While specific marine life is not detailed in the provided context, wrecks often become artificial reefs, attracting various species over time.
How difficult is diving the Doña Marilyn Wreck, and what level of experience is recommended?
Diving the Doña Marilyn Wreck is considered to be of intermediate difficulty. Divers should possess a suitable level of experience and training for wreck diving at depths up to 30 meters.
What is the best time of year to dive the Doña Marilyn Wreck for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Doña Marilyn Wreck for optimal conditions. For general information on diving seasons in the Philippines, you might consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Doña Marilyn Wreck?
Given the Doña Marilyn Wreck's maximum depth of 30 meters and intermediate difficulty, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent is generally recommended. This ensures divers have the necessary training for deeper dives and potential wreck exploration, if applicable and properly trained.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at the Doña Marilyn Wreck dive site?
The provided data does not include specific information regarding the typical current conditions or visibility at the Doña Marilyn Wreck dive site. It is always advisable to check with local dive operators in Malapascua for the most current conditions before planning your dive.